NCoS begins compilation of prisoners’ names for Tinubu’s presidential pardon

The Acting Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has instructed all state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Controllers of Corrections to submit lists of eligible inmates for a nationwide presidential pardon, as part of President Bola Tinubu’s clemency initiative.

Nwakuche, who assumed office on December 16, 2024, following the retirement of Haliru Nababa, issued the directive through a memo dated January 17, 2025, with reference number NCoS 848/C. I/VOL. 1/288. The memo, exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, outlines the criteria for selecting inmates who may qualify for the presidential pardon.

Titled “Re: Request For List Of Prisoners/Inmates Eligible For Presidential Pardon/Clemency Nationwide,” the memo highlights factors such as old age, ill health, and time already spent in prison as key considerations for eligibility.

“I am directed to write and request you to as a matter of urgency, furnish the office of the Controller-General of Corrections with a list of ALL qualified prisoners/inmates in your Command for Presidential Pardon/Clemency,” the memo stated.

It further clarifies, “For avoidance of doubt, inmates other than Nigerian prisoner-citizens deported to the country, must have been convicted or awaiting trial for federal offences only.”

The document outlines specific eligibility criteria, including inmates aged 60 and above, those suffering from terminal illnesses, young persons aged 16 and below, and long-term inmates who have served over 10 years with a good record. Others include inmates awaiting trial for over 10 years, convicts with less than six months remaining of their sentences, and those detained for minor offences who have already served longer than their potential sentence.

This directive is part of a nationwide initiative to ease prison overcrowding and provide clemency to deserving inmates, particularly those facing health or age-related challenges.

(SAHARAREPORTERS)